William F. Mangan Jr.

Attorney William F. Mangan, Jr., 82, of New Britain, the widower of Viola Jobert Mangan, died peacefully with his family by his side on Monday (August 4, 2003). He was born on Bassett Street in New Britain on March 24, 1921, son of the late Judge William F. and Laura (Pitchard) Mangan. Attorney Mangan was a graduate of New Britain High School and Fordham University. At the age of 21, Attorney Mangan enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. An expert rifleman, he served with the Corps in the European, South Pacific and China-Burma-India theatres of operation. He was honorably discharged in 1946, holding the rank of Captain. He later attained the rank of Major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. After leaving the service he entered the University of Connecticut School of Law. He received an L.L.B. degree from the Law School in 1948, and was admitted to the Bar of the State of Connecticut in 1949. In 1954, he was appointed as Chairman to the Charter Revision Committee of New Britain. In 1955, he was appointed Prosecutor of the Police Court of the city of New Britain. During his life, Bill was a member of St. Joseph's Church, St. Francis of Assisi Church and St. Mary's Church. He was active in many civic, social and political organizations. He was a long time member of the New Britain YMCA Health Club. Throughout his life he maintained an avid interest in sports. He was an accomplished chess player, as well as attaining the rank of Life Master in bridge. Survivors are a son, William F. Mangan, III of New Britain; two daughters, Laura P. Mangan of New Britain and Maria Mangan of Plainville; two sisters, Catrine Woods of Milford and Laura Gildea of Bridgeport; four grandchildren, Brett Toce and William Nicholas Mangan of New Britain; Charles William Guay and Evan James Mangan Guay, also of New Britain; and a great-granddaughter, Isabelle Toce. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished dearly. He is predeceased by his sister, MaryAlice Scully; his twin sisters, Alicia Bennett and Patricia McMahon Walsh; and his brothers-in-law, Dr. Roger T. Scully, Attorney William K. Bennett, Dr. George McMahon, Robert Woods, Mark Gildea and Daniel Walsh. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, at Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Square, New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11:30 a.m. at St. Josephs Church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours will be TODAY, 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. The family wished to express sincere thanks to the staff of Brittany Farms Health Center for their heartfelt care and support of Bill during his time spent there.